The Alternate Stitch

The allure of going sock-less in dress shoes has become a men’s fashion statement. There may be plenty of hot-takes on the trend itself, but answering the question of “Can I wear dress shoes without socks?” is simple. Technically, yes… but, we wouldn’t recommend it. 

Over the years, dress socks have transformed from functional basics in a narrow color range barely worth considering to powerful fashion statements. If you’re asking yourself what color men's dress socks should be to match the rest of your outfit, this is for you.

From dress shoes to sneakers and loafers to boots, there's a lot to consider when deciding what kind of dress socks to wear with different types of dress shoes. And no matter what shoes you’re wearing, you’ll thrive in socks that are comfortable, breathable, and moisture wicking.

Though we can’t help you answer questions like, “Do I need to wear a tie?” we can address an equally important question, namely, “What color should dress socks be?” In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to match dress socks to your outfit, covering everything from classic rules to modern twists.

Dress socks are an essential yet overlooked component of formal attire. They might not be the centerpiece of your outfit, but then again, your fit wouldn’t be complete without them. Every man dressing for a formal occasion needs a comfortable and durable pair of men's dress socks, but with so many options out there, how is one to choose?

At Darn Tough, we knit our socks in 4 different weights: Ultra-lightweight, Lightweight, Midweight, and Heavyweight. When it comes to picking a sock weight, consider your planned activity, local weather, and personal preferences. We put together a guide of our different sock weight options for all of your favorite activities.

Not sure if your socks fit? We've put together some tips and tricks to help you check. At Darn Tough, we knit all our socks with a performance fit so they act like a second skin, preventing slippage and blisters. If your socks aren't the most comfortable, durable, best fitting socks, you can return them for another pair. 

We’ve brought Space Dye to the finest-micron Merino Wool. The result? Totally unique socks that have moisture management, durability, and temperature regulation on lock.

Generally, ski and snowboard socks are the same. If you’ve ever questioned whether skiing socks and snowboard socks are the same…the simple answer is yes (and also no). Here’s the deal: Darn Tough has a single Ski & Snowboard category...

While there are minimal differences between ski socks and snowboard socks, there are drastic differences between ‘normal socks’ and Merino Wool socks designed for skiing and snowboarding, and those differences keep you warm, comfortable, and dry on the mountain.

How long do socks last? That depends on the sock, the wearer, and few other key factors.  We asked Emily from our Warranty department to share what she's learned about the Darn Tough sock lifespan from the socks you all send back to us under our guarantee. 

It’s no secret that Merino Wool socks are preferred by skiers… not to mention literally anyone else doing anything that involves comfy feet. And when it comes to choosing the right ski sock, we hear questions like: Should ski socks be thin or thick? Are thin or thick socks warmer?

If your socks make an impression (beyond just what people think of them) then you’re going to want to read this article. We’re covering performance socks: what they are, how to ensure they fit, the benefits they offer, and the marks they (might) leave behind.

In this post I’m going to get into the pros and cons of liner socks to help you determine your best footwear system. Spoiler: I truly don’t think you need liners if you have the right sock and shoe combo. So let’s get into it…

How long do socks last? It’s a stumper of a question, since there are so many variables that go into their lifespan. Online, the most common answer is three to six months. If you’re thinking “geeze, that’s not very long,” likely you own a pair of Darn Tough socks.

The height—or should we say length?—of your running socks plays a crucial role in both your performance and comfort, whether you're navigating snowy trails or sprinting around the block.  So, why do people wear long socks when running?

Now this isn’t an attack ad against cotton. This is more an informative piece, informing you that when it comes to what you should wear on your body while being active indoors or outdoors, it’s neither cotton’s time nor place.

If you previously thought tactical socks weren’t for you, read this post. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about Darn Tough socks generally, the specifics of our tactical lineup, and sharing some intel on choosing the right tactical socks to meet your needs. Let’s proceed:

In this post, we will dive into the knitty gritty (pun intended) of how to find the best socks to fit your needs. We will consider your footwear, as well as the many heights, weights, cushioning levels, and tech features.

As a company dedicated to knitting the absolute best socks out there, it’s probably no surprise Darn Tough views socks as all-season wardrobe essentials - yes, even in summer. Let’s bust the myth that wool is just for winter and consider five reasons why wearing wool socks in summer is awesome.

The science is clear. That rank smell is the result our bodies’ natural cooling system being turned against us. Hear us out on this: it’s going to get a little icky before we explain how Merino Wool helps to prevent stinky socks.